The Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club was formed in 1964, by workers at the local Rank Xerox factory, at Mitcheldean, and adopted the local “Freeminer” emblem, from an old church brass, as it’s logo. A few founder members are still members of the club, which now stands at 80 members.

The main interest locally was in the numerous old, abandoned iron mines which encircle the Royal Forest of Dean, and are found where the Crease limestone outcrops on the surface. Many successful digs ensued, which, with other diggers, have resulted in the huge and varied interconnecting complexes of workings, which we can now enjoy. In the early days, attempts were also made to enter presumed cave passages, but with only a small measure of success.

With the opening of Otter Hole, under Chepstow Racecourse, more intense efforts were made to enter cave passage in other parts of the region, with a god measure of success, and some failures! Perhaps the most notable recent finds are Wet Sink (“Slaughter Stream Cave”), and Redhouse Lane Swallet.
At present, digs are ongoing at several cave and mine sites.

The club belongs to BCRA, NCA, the Cambrian Caving Council, and the North Pennines Heritage Trust.
The club supports Gloucestershire Cave Rescue Group, and also the newly formed Forest of Dean Cave Conservation and Access Group. The latter is presently under negotiation with The Forestry Commission, to gain access for all cavers on their land.

The club has also supported the organisation of various Forest Cave Symposia, and also co-hosted the NAMHO Field Meet in 1994, and the NAMHO Conference in 1999

Some members cave occasionally in the Mendips, South Wales, Ireland, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire.  Some members “mine” in other parts of the country, but mainly specialise at Nenthead, in the north Pennines.

Members of the club meet on a Wednesday evening, at various locations in the Royal Forest of Dean, to go underground, and then retire to “The Rising Sun” at Moseley Green, Parkend, for a quick pint or two (or three). Nearly every first Monday in the month, the club has a social meeting, usually consisting of a talk, slide show, or lecture on something of interest, at the aforementioned hostelry.

There are 3 classes of membership:
Individual membership £14
Family membership £18
Temporary membership          £2   (This is for those who merely wish to give caving a try.)
Anyone wishing to know more about the club, can e-mail me, and I shall be in touch.
Mole, 8.8.’01. (Club Secretary)